Recently, whether domestically or abroad, there hasn’t been a shortage of hate-filled headlines everywhere we look.  Adults are having a hard time grasping what is going on in our world, so let us think about how our children are seeing it.

Between social media and traditional outlets, it is hard to shield young people from the ugliness of the world and properly explain to them what is going on, potentially leaving them feeling afraid and vulnerable.

Here a a few tips to hopefully help you help your kids make sense of what our world today.

Be Proactive Teach kids from the beginning about diversity, respect, and empathy. Children aren’t born hating, it is a learned behavior. Let them know that it is okay to be different. Create an inclusive atmosphere and encourage children to play with and get to know people from all races and religious backgrounds. The more we know and understand each other, there is less of an inclination to hate.

Don’t ignore questions or concerns Right now, many children are probably scared, confused, and don’t know the difference between many of the groups that are rallying. Take time to sit down with children, listen to their questions and concerns, have open-age appropriate conversations with them about what they ask. Use this as a teachable moment, explaining to them how what is manifesting today’s world stage has a direct correlation to our past.

Empower your kids Take that history lesson a bit further and let them know that black is beautiful, brown is beautiful, and so on. Give children a sense of self-pride and get them involved in movements that encourage unity and activism as a whole.